Getting Here

View a Map of the Victoria Area

From Vancouver, BC Canada

Car Ferry: Terminal at Tsawwassen south of Vancouver and just north of the Canada-US border. Large modern vessels with the most frequent and convenient sailings. 90 minute crossing time to Swartz Bay (north of Victoria).

Car Ferry: Arrives at Sidney (about 18 miles north of Victoria) after 2.5 to 3 hour crossing. Essential to reserve and arrive early in high season. Two sailings daily in high season.

From San Francisco, CA USA

Air: United Airlines has two direct glights daily from San Francisco into Victoria international Airport.

Vancouver Island, BC Canada

The biggest island on the west coast of North America, Vancouver Island is almost twice the size of Hawaii. It is 451 Kilometers (282 miles) long and covers 32,136 square Kilometers (12,408 square miles). Much of the island is untamed wilderness – home to cougar, wolves, bear, deer, elk, and eagles. The surrounding sea has a myriad of creatures including whales, dolphins, otters, seals, salmon and many others. The western side of the island is sparsely populated and consists of many rugged fjords, temperate rain forests, and mountainous terrain. It is best known around the world for Pacific Rim National Park and the famous “West Coast Trail”, a challenge even to seasoned hikers. There are very few roads and many of the coastal villages are only accessible by sea or air.

The only highway running the length of the island connects the main cities and towns on the more populated eastern side. From Port Hardy, the northernmost town, to Victoria at the southern tip is a full day’s drive past lush farmland and forests, and through quaint villages and towns with names as varied and interesting as their history. Some place names have a First Nations’ origin such as Nanaimo and Qualicum while others like Juan de Fuca and Victoria speak of a Spanish or English past.

There is much to see and do but your adventure begins on the southern tip of our beautiful island in Victoria, the jewel of Vancouver Island.

Important information for American travelers coming to Canada…

* A lot of things have changed for the travelling public in the past few years. There was a time when citizens from Canada and the US could travel back and forth with just a wave of their hands. Not so anymore. Today, everyone needs a passport to enter Canada, even Americans. You have to have a passport. Please see the US Department of State Web site for additional information. travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.

Citizens of all other countries also are required to have a passport to enter Canada. In addition, citizens from some countries are required to have a visa to enter Canada. For more information on visa requirements, please click here.